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The Midland Grand Hotel was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, and opened during the years 1873 - 76. It closed as a hotel in 1935, being used as railways offices until it failed its fire certificate in the 80's. It is grade 1 listed and it looks like the building is being treated fairly, precautions are in place to protect the original features.

Well we made our way in, a slow start at first as we tried to avoid the workmen and get into the towers. A bit hairy but sorted nonetheless. Once we were in the tower we were greeted by the legendary 'grand staircase', which is truly stunning. I haven't seen anything like this, ever...

We then made our way to the main tower. This is a totally wooden structure, with a lead clad flat roof, with great views...

So after this it was only logical we did the clock tower, we thought better of climbing the wooden ladder up the spire though...

We noticed that the light from outside was silhouetting the clockface through the glass. How to photograph it? Turn the clock lights off...

...that's better

Now we made our way back over to the main tower, taking a better look at some of the features...

Around about now, Zero and Sick were on site, but holed up and unable to get into the correct part of the building, we had puzzled with this earlier on. A bit of rooftop navigation sorted them out. A bit like sheepdog herding really.

Anyway, we met them in the grand staircase, then made our separate ways.